April is National Poetry Month. It also brings about NaPoWriMo, which stands for National Poetry Writing Month. I’ve never actually participated in this sort of an event. I know at Verla Kay’s website they have it there, http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php?board=3.0, and many writers partake in NaNoWriMo. I plan on doing it for the first time. So here is my job to write a poem each day for the month of April.

Here’s another link: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=f14ddba94c68d9dacd2109f12&id=d547de7529&e=478e68ea5b

Okay, I need to do some push-ups and stretch the hamstrings; it’s time to get to work. Hey, I’m even a day early…

I’ve created a Young Authors tab on the website. I love to read and write and teach it too. Please enjoy!

http://www.roykindelberger.com/ideas-for-kids.html 

Oh, I almost forgot, I just finished my favorite book for the fifth time, Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate Dicamillo. I believe I’ve read all of her books, and she’s inspired me as a writer too.

I offered a writing class, at the school I teach at, for the PTSA Auction. Six students, join me for an hour after school in my classroom. My main goal is to give them my love for reading and writing.

At the first class, we discussed upping the ante in our writing. We mentioned reasons why we didn’t want to put a book down.

I read the Monster at the End of this Book, by Jon Stone. http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Sesame-Street-Birds-Favorites/dp/0375805613 http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0375805613/ref=sib_dp_pop_fc?ie=UTF8&p=S001#reader-link

I have heard this book read at conferences at least two other times, when the topic of suspense and conflict was discussed. After the initial shock at my choice of books, the children enjoyed my Grover voice and the fun of Grover’s antics upping the stakes in the story. After the surprise, they laughed and began mapping out their own stories. I can't wait for the next class! 

Hellooooooo, Everybody…I’m cute, furry and blue. I, Grover will tell you a story…

 

Earlier in the week, I went to my third poetry reading. I read once again. I wasn’t as nervous and thought it went well. The featured poets were The Sisters of Poetry aka Erica Michael and Peggy Barnett. I enjoyed their poetry. I look forward to listening to local poets and having a chance to share my own. I plan a monthly trip to ParkPlace books for their poetry readings. They also have a variety of other events. Please visit their website: http://www.parkplacebookskirkland.com/home.html

I went to the Western Washington Literacy Conference in Bellingham on Saturday, March 5th. I’ve been to this conference for the past four years. Each year has provided inspiration and motivation for me as a teacher and writer. For the second year in a row my mom is coming with me.

This year’s authors are Kirby Larson and Chris Raschka. Kirby Larson was one of my first writing teachers. I’ve enjoyed her books and inspiration throughout the years.

Once again I wasn’t disappointed with the conference. Kirby Larson spoke of her ups and downs in writing for children. She shared her journey with her Newberry Honor book, Hattie Big Sky, along with her new found love of historical fiction. I enjoy reading her characters and the emotion of the time period.

Chris Raschka described his fascinating illustrations. He showed us through his process. I always enjoy hearing the illustrator’s point of view, well, because I’m not one. And then there’s the story behind his picture book, Arlene the Sardine…

Please visit the Western Washington Literature Conference:

http://www.wwuclc.com

Kirby Larson:

http://www.kirbylarson.com

Chris Raschka (interview about Arlene the Sardine):

http://www.bookpage.com/books-5526-Arlene+Sardine